Incessant rainfall on Thursday led to severe waterlogging at the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, causing distress to tourists and raising concerns about the site’s infrastructure. The heavy downpour, triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, has impacted several parts of Odisha, including the coastal region where the Sun Temple is located.
IMD Issues Weather Warnings
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued weather warnings for multiple districts in Odisha. Heavy to very heavy rainfall was predicted for areas including Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh. The IMD also issued a yellow warning for other districts such as Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, forecasting moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning.
According to Dr. Sharat Chandra Sahu, a weather scientist, the wet spell is expected to persist until Friday, with a gradual decrease in rainfall. Coastal Odisha and the interior regions of the state will continue to experience rain during this period.
Impact on Konark Sun Temple
The heavy rainfall resulted in massive waterlogging at the Konark Sun Temple, affecting both visitors and the overall environment of the historic site. Tourists were seen wading through knee-deep water as the temple entrance became submerged. Several visitors sustained minor injuries after slipping on the waterlogged pathways.
One tourist, visiting the temple for the first time, expressed disappointment at the situation: “I’ve always wanted to see the Konark Temple, but it’s disheartening to witness this level of waterlogging at such a renowned site.”
Another visitor from Gujarat noted, “This is a UNESCO heritage site, yet there seems to be no adequate drainage system to handle the rains. It’s surprising and frustrating.”
Long-Standing Infrastructure Issues
The recent waterlogging at Konark Sun Temple is not an isolated incident. Similar situations have occurred multiple times, even after short spells of rain. Many tourists have called for better management and infrastructure to prevent such incidents from recurring. One frequent visitor, returning for the fourth time, remarked: “The government should address this issue urgently and implement a proper drainage system to ensure tourists don’t face such hardships.”
Ongoing Weather Concerns in Odisha
As the rains continue, the IMD has also issued an orange warning for four districts, including Khurda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri, indicating the likelihood of moderate rain and thundershowers. Residents have been advised to prepare for possible waterlogging in low-lying areas and disruptions in traffic due to reduced visibility.
Despite the weather challenges, authorities and tourists alike are hoping for better measures to protect Odisha’s heritage sites and improve visitor experiences at places like the Konark Sun Temple.
(With inputs from agencies)
